MANILA – The Philippine government continues to be the largest consumer for Honda Marine and its local partner, Propmech Corp., officials from both companies revealed Wednesday. This announcement coincided with the Philippine launch of Honda’s flagship outboard engine, the BF350, a 350-horsepower V8, marking Honda Marine's first foray into this engine class.

Sayaka Arai, president of Honda Philippines, Inc. (HPI), highlighted the significant potential of the BF350 in the Philippine market, citing the country's archipelago structure and increasing demand for powerful outboard motors. Following its successful launch in Japan, North America, Europe, and the Middle East, Honda Marine sold over 1,000 units of the BF350 last year.

Glenn Tong, director of Propmech Corp., emphasized the BF350's suitability for government operations, particularly maritime patrols. He noted its 20 percent increase in efficiency regarding distance, time, and operations, coupled with reduced noise, making it ideal for the Philippine Navy and Coast Guard. "You have 20 percent more (efficiency in) distance, time, and operations, which is very useful in the Philippines’ case because sometimes we have to go quite far," Tong stated.

Propmech, having supplied over 1,500 boats to the government, aims to secure further contracts under the Armed Forces of the Philippines Modernization Program's Horizon 3 and Department of Transportation marine projects. "a proven track record of building vessels that stand the test of time" he said.

HPI aims to sell an initial 100 units of the BF350 in the Philippines, while Propmech plans to stock 50 to 100 of these engines for larger vessels, with a higher number for smaller craft.